Not knowing what to expect is the biggest source of nerves before a branding session. In practice it runs in a fixed order, start to finish.
The session starts with a few minutes to settle in and talk through what you’re hoping to get, even if that’s already been discussed beforehand, and from there direction stays constant throughout so there’s no standing around wondering what to do next. Once the shoot wraps, a proofing gallery follows within a couple of days. A first look, before anything is retouched.
Final delivery follows once retouching is complete, with the timeline agreed clearly at the point of booking rather than left open-ended.
See also: Why a cheap branding session often costs more in the end.
For everything this post didn’t cover, including current pricing, the Personal Branding page has the full picture, or reach out directly and ask.
FAQs
Straight answers below.
How is this different to a headshot?
A headshot is one image for one purpose. A branding session builds a whole visual identity: portraits, candids and detail shots that work across a website, socials and press together.
How many images do we end up with?
A half-day session typically delivers 20 to 30 retouched images, a full day 40 to 60. The full proofing gallery is reviewed first, then the final retouch list is chosen.
Further reading
A handful of related posts.
- Hidden costs to ask about before booking a branding session
- The best time of year to book a branding session in London
- Can I request a specific style or mood for my branding session?
The steps
The short version, step by step.
- Settle in and talk through the brief. The first few minutes, even if it's already been discussed beforehand.
- Be directed throughout the shoot. Constant, gentle direction means there's no standing around wondering what to do.
- Review the proofing gallery. A first look within a couple of days, before anything is retouched.
- Receive final delivery. On the timeline agreed at booking, not left open-ended.